Pennsylvania: New Budget Will Not Tax Premium, Other Cigars

By Chris McCalla, Legislative Dir. (IPCPR)

Following months of political wrangling, stonewalling, and failed negotiations, Pennsylvania State Legislature finally approved the state's operating budget. The governor signed the budget late Friday [October 9, 2009].

Despite several tobacco tax excise increases, large cigars will not be taxed at the proposed 30% excise tax rate. Large cigars by definition are those weighing three pounds or more per 1,000 cigars; this definition covers the premium handmade cigar and popular-priced, large cigar product lines.
 
Thank you to all IPCPR retailers and their customers for joining the fight to Protect their Liberty! In just seven days our Legislative Action Alert was operational, Action Alert users sent 782 messages to the Capitol! Additionally, 148 new subscribers joined in the fight! Thank you for your efforts and direct action.
 
As these fights usually prove to be long and difficult, it takes all hands on deck to ensure this kind of win. Thank you to the Cigar Association of America (CAA) and our other industry allies for their extensive lobby efforts. Additionally, thank you to the CRA for their consumer-based advocacy campaign.

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For more information on tobacco legislation in your state, please visit www.ipcpr.org.